Writing cover letters can be a time-consuming and dreadful task, especially when you’re juggling multiple applications. But what if I told you that with nPloy you can kiss those cover letters goodbye and focus on what really matters: matching with the right job. In this article, we’re diving into how nPloy lets job seekers skip the cover letter while connecting with top employers on their terms.
What is a Cover Letter and Why It’s Becoming Outdated in Job Applications
The traditional cover letter was intended as a means for a candidate to introduce their unique qualifications, often adding a personal touch that a resume might lack. A standard cover letter highlights a candidate's experience, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for a role. In the past, it served as a bridge between employers and candidates, making applicants memorable before they even walked through the door.
But times have changed. Industry research shows that recruiters usually spend less than 7 seconds looking at a candidate’s resume, let alone for reading a whole cover letter. Truth is, in a competitive job market, what matters is matching skills, experience, and expectations quickly and efficiently.
Why cover letters are a pain point for young job seekers
Young job seekers often face three main challenges when it comes to cover letters:
Time-consuming customisation of each cover letter
Crafting personalised cover letters for each job can take hours, especially when tailoring the content to fit different company cultures, roles, and requirements. This means less time for job searching, networking, or upskilling.
Uncertain impact of the cover letter
Many candidates wonder if recruiters even read their cover letters. As the emphasis on fast-paced hiring grows, fewer recruiters have time to review every applicant's cover letter in detail.
Bias concerns
Cover letters can unintentionally reveal personal details that may lead to unconscious bias. Factors like age, gender, and even address can sometimes impact how a recruiter views a candidate before getting to their qualifications.
For young professionals trying to launch their careers, these factors make cover letters feel like more of an obstacle than a help. But before we skip to the good part about how nPloy allows you to skip cover letters, let’s further prove our point by showing you how tedious the process of writing a cover letter may be.
How to write a cover letter (just in case you need one)
Knowing how to write one can still come in handy. It’s essentially an elevator pitch in written form: a cover letter introduces you, highlights your skills, and explains why you’re a great fit for the job. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to include and how to make each section stand out.
1. Header and salutation of the cover letter
- Format: Include your name, address, email, and the date, followed by the employer’s contact information.
- Personalisation: Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person. .
2. Opening paragraph of the cover letter - grab the attention of the recruiter
- Hook: Start with a compelling sentence that introduces who you are and why you’re excited about the position.
- Connection: Mention something specific about the company or role that attracted you. This shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested.
3. Middle paragraph(s) – show how you fit into the company
- Highlight relevant skills and achievements: Discuss a few accomplishments or skills relevant to the job, and connect them to the role's requirements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.
- Quantify: If you led a project that increased sales by 20% or reduced customer service response time by 40%, include these numbers. Quantifiable achievements make your impact clearer.
4. Final paragraph – reinforce your passion for the job
- Make a summary: Briefly reiterate why you’re a great match for the role.
- Add a call to action: Mention that you’re looking forward to an interview and thank them for their time and consideration.
5. Closing of the cover letter and signature
- Professional closing: Use a respectful closing like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your full name.
- Add contact information: If submitting a printed cover letter, leave space to sign your name. In digital submissions, you can simply type your name.
Seems like a lot of work, to be honest. So why do young professionals still have to take the time and write cover letters? Well, they don’t. At least not on nPloy.
A cover letter template
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you must write a cover letter, here’s an example of what you could write. Feel free to copy it and tweak it to best fit your needs and writing style.
Your name
Your address
Your email address
Your phone number
Date
Your manager’s name
Company name
Company address
Dear Hiring manager / Recruiter's name,
I am very excited to apply for the job title role at company name. As a passionate professional with X years of experience in your professional field, I have long admired company name’s specific value / recent achievement. Your commitment to company's mission resonates deeply with my own professional values, and I am eager to bring my skills and experiences to your team.
In my experience as your job title, I've successfully describe an achievement, give specific example for success. Additionally, my extended knowledge of another relevant skill or qualification equipped me to add a requirement of the job you're applying for.
One of my proudest achievements was specific example with numbers. This accomplishment required list a few relevant skills, which I am excited to contribute to company name.
I am particularly drawn to the specific aspect of the company or role. I firmly believe that my passion for specific field or mission and proven track record in key skill or responsibility make me an excellent fit for the job title you’re applying for.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and discuss how my background and expertise align with the needs of your team. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to company name's success and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.
Best regards,
Your name
Your email address
Your phone number
nPloy: The AI Job-Matching App That Lets You Skip Cover Letters
nPloy offers a modern solution to the age-old job application process. Here’s how:
The top job search platform without a cover letter: AI-powered job matching
With nPloy’s smart algorithm, you only see jobs that match your skills, salary expectations, and work preferences. You don’t need a cover letter to stand out because the app already prioritises jobs that match your profile, saving you time and effort.
Save time applying for jobs: Apply for a job with a single swipe
This means you’re applying in seconds. You’re entirely bypassing the custom cover letter - simply swipe to apply and move on to the next opportunity.
Guaranteed feedback on each job application
nPloy values transparency, so you’re not left in the dark. Unlike many other platforms, nPloy guarantees feedback on your application, so you know exactly where you stand.
Anonymous recruitment
When recruiters review applications on nPloy, they won’t see details like your name, photo, age, or gender, which helps to eliminate bias in the initial selection stages. Instead, they focus on your qualifications, experience, and skills, allowing your expertise to shine without distractions.
Built-in chat and video interviews with recruiters
Instead of jumping between email and multiple software platforms, nPloy enables direct chat and interview scheduling. This streamlined approach removes the need for third-party software, keeping your job search process smooth and integrated.
Sounds good, right?
3 tips for making the most out of your job search on nPloy
- Set your criteria straight
Specify your desired roles, industries, and salary expectations. The more accurate your criteria, the better the matches! - Keep your profile updated
Make sure your nPloy profile reflects your latest skills and experiences, so employers see the full value you bring. - Use the feedback to your advantage
nPloy guarantees feedback on each application, so make the most of it! Use this input to sharpen your profile or refine your job search criteria if needed.
Conclusion
It’s time to embrace a new way of job searching. With nPloy, you can ditch the cover letter and focus on finding the right job match without unnecessary steps. nPloy is here to make your job search efficient, transparent, and bias free.
FAQs
What should be included in a cover letter?
A great cover letter should include a personalised greeting, an engaging introduction, a brief highlight of relevant skills and accomplishments, and a strong closing that reiterates your enthusiasm. Each section should be concise and tailored to the role you’re applying for.
How can I make my cover letter stand out?
You can make your cover letter stand out by personalising it. Mention specific details about the company or role that caught your attention. Use quantifiable achievements to show impact, and keep your tone professional yet authentic.
Do I need a cover letter for each job application?
Not necessarily! Many modern platforms like nPloy let you skip the cover letter entirely. However, some employers still request one, especially for traditional or senior-level roles, so it’s a good skill to master.
What makes nPloy different from other job-matching apps?
nPloy offers AI-driven job matching, one-swipe applications, built-in interview scheduling, and anonymous initial applications, making the job search fast, transparent, and fair.
Do I really not need a cover letter on nPloy?
That’s right! With nPloy, you can apply directly without a cover letter, thanks to the platform’s unique matching and feedback features.
How to apply for jobs without a cover letter?
When applying for jobs without a cover letter, focus on optimising your résumé and portfolio.
Tailor your résumé to highlight skills, achievements, and experiences that match the job description.
Networking is also crucial - you can reach out to company contacts or recruiters to express interest and bypass the need for a formal cover letter. Writing a letter of interest is also an option.
Do recruiters still value cover letters?
While some traditional employers may request cover letters, many recruiters now prioritise skills, experience, and direct matches, making platforms like nPloy more efficient.
What are the biggest advantages of skipping cover letters?
By skipping cover letters, you save time, reduce bias, and focus on tailoring your skills and experience directly to the job requirements.
